October 2023

Contents to Volume 54, Number 5

A collection of the latest philatelic news from around the world.

More of the latest reports from the nation’s philatelic societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

Was the Penny Black really the world’s first postage stamp? Richard West explores the possibility that there might just be other contenders that beat it to the post.

More readers have their say, courtesy of the GSM postbag.

In a triple helping of new issues, Royal Mail commemorates the 40th anniversary of Sir Terry Pratchett’s fantasy Discworld novels and the 65th anniversary of Paddington Bear. We also look at the nine make-up King Charles III barcoded definitive values.

The evacuation of troops from Dunkirk during World War II is well documented, but just what happened to those troops once they landed back on home soil? Using contemporary mail, Jim Etherington throws some light on their forward journey after their arrival back in the UK.

Katrin Raynor interviews freshwater biologist Professor Steve Ormerod about his involvement with Royal Mail’s River Wildlife issue.

The nine new King Charles III make-up definitives, issued in late August, and an unusual variety discovered on barcoded Machin 2nd class stamps are discussed by John Deering in another round up of new developments in modern GB collecting.

The latest supplement to the Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.

Michael Burzan gives a collector’s view of some of the most desirable material associated with India’s first anniversary of independence stamps, which were issued 75 years ago this year.

In another article on postal authorities which no longer exist, John Moody looks at the Kingdom of Cambodia and its independent stamp issues from 1951 to 1970.

The latest books and catalogues read and rated.

Prisoners of war were interned in two POW camps in New Zealand at the start of the Great War. Rare surviving items of mail to and from internees are discussed here by Dr Andrew Dove MBE FRPSL.

In his latest article in the series on British Colonial and Protectorate stamps, Noel Davenhill visits the Caribbean issues of St Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla.

Another influential and historical figure who has left a mark on philately is investigated by Michael Peach.

Stamps to look out for from the Cook Islands.

Ashley Lawrence reveals how a series of ‘spooky’ coincidences led him to discover the courageous and dramatic life of a French heiress who, during World War II, saved the lives of numerous persecuted ethnic artists in occupied France.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

Alison Boyd investigates the stories behind some of the latest stamp issues from around the world.

We highlight the latest new issues from Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.

Don’t miss your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher in our regular competition.

Hugh Jefferies offers more thoughts from the Catalogue Editor’s chair.

The latest, 15-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.